Loud fireworks ‘feel like World War III’ for animals
TERRIFYING fireworks that “feel like World War Three” to animals and vulnerable people must be restricted, campaigners say.
Thousands of pets have been left distressed, injured or even dead because of sudden deafening noises caused by the violent explosives.
And older people, those with autism or post-traumatic stress disorder can be frightened and suffer panic attacks.
A Change.org petition – backed by the Daily Express – calls for tighter regulation of fireworks to prevent needless suffering of people and animals. It has been signed by more than one million people.
Organiser Julie Doorne, from Lincolnshire, started gathering signatures two years ago when a friend’s mare aborted her foal after she was terrified by fireworks.
Julie, who owns several dogs, cats, horses and sheep, believes existing legislation is “not fit for purpose and is unenforceable”.
She said: “This isn’t going to go away. Fireworks are getting worse. People are using them for all sorts of unusual purposes – weddings, birthdays, funerals and gender reveal parties.
Distressed
“Fireworks are allowed 365 days a year for 16 hours of every day. It’s legal. So what can anybody do about it? It needs looking at. It hasn’t been looked at for around 14 years.”
Julie said firework technology has changed in recent years to create louder and larger displays, making some people “feel like they are in World War Three”.
Her survey of more than 1,100 people found nearly 90 per cent of pets have been distressed by fireworks.
However, 70 per cent of owners have never reported this because it is “pointless”.
Another heartbroken horse owner described how her 16-month-old pony was so startled he leapt out of his field and died following a head-on collision with a car.
Every year the RSPCA is inundated with calls reporting terrified animals during the traditional fireworks season from October.
The welfare charity has launched a Bang Out Of Order campaign. It calls for tighter controls and regulations around the sale and use of fireworks.
More private displays were held in 2021 compared with previous years after the pandemic led to the cancellations of public events, the group said.
It backs calls to restrict the private use of fireworks to on or around traditional dates, such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and Diwali.
It also wants the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks for public sale slashed from 120 to 90 decibels (dB). The threshold for pain is 120dB in children, 140dB in adults.
Some illegal firecrackers have been measure at more than 150dB.
The RSPCA want public fireworks displays licensed, with information about the proposed events provided weeks in advance so residents have the chance to appeal.
Dr Mark Kennedy, an animal welfare expert with the charity, said: “We would also like to see fireworks labelled as ‘loud’ or ‘low noise’ to allow consumers to make an informed decision.
“Just like pets, horses and livestock can be frightened by loud bangs and bright flashes of light too, putting them at risk of injuring themselves on fencing, farm equipment or fixtures and fittings within their housing.
“Wildlife can also be seriously impacted by bonfires and fireworks. Wild animals, like hedgehogs, are at risk of being burnt alive after making their homes inside bonfires and piles of leaves, while some birds will flee their nests or whole colonies can disappear due to noise disturbance.
“We need the public to make their voice heard loud and clear to help us secure these changes.”
The calls are backed by MPs and environ
mentalists. Elliot Colburn, the Conservative MP for Carshalton and Wallington in south London, said: “While many people enjoy fireworks, others are filled with dread at the prospect of endless displays around public holidays.
“Fireworks not only cause great distress and anxiety for animals but vulnerable people as well. I welcome further work to understand public opinion on the future of fireworks through public consultation.” Justin Madders, the Tory MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, on the Wirral, said the plethora of horror stories about the impact fireworks have on individuals mean “we owe it to them” to look into ways to lessen the impact.
Meanwhile, Ecotricity founder and environmentalist Dale Vince, who backs the Daily Express Green Britain Needs You crusade, added: “We do need to look again at the rules around fireworks. It is a big issue for pets but also for wild animals too.
“And it’s a big issue for people with autism. If we need another reason, it produces a lot of airborne pollution. I’m with the Express on this one.”
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was contacted for comment.